10 Day Itinerary for Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastian
Spain offers an unforgettable mix of history, culture, food and coastal scenery. This 10 day itinerary combines the lively streets of Barcelona, the grand boulevards of Madrid and the elegant beaches of San Sebastian. Whether you enjoy world-famous architecture, outstanding museums, Michelin-starred dining or relaxing beside the sea, this journey has something for everyone. You will discover iconic landmarks, charming neighbourhoods and excellent local cuisine while travelling comfortably between three of Spain’s most popular destinations.
Day 1 – Discover the Highlights of Barcelona
Sagrada Família
Begin your holiday at Barcelona‘s most famous landmark. Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece has amazed visitors for more than a century. Admire the detailed façades before stepping inside to see colourful stained-glass windows fill the vast interior with light. Book your visit well in advance because tickets often sell out.
La Rambla
Walk along Barcelona’s most famous boulevard. Street performers, flower stalls and cafés create a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Continue towards the waterfront while enjoying the energy of the city.
Mercat de la Boqueria
Stop for lunch inside Barcelona’s best-known food market. Taste freshly prepared tapas, Iberian ham, seafood and fruit juices. The market is also an excellent place to experience local life.
Where to stay: Consider Hotel 1898, known for its rooftop pool and central location (Google rating around 4.7/5, reviewers praise the location and service); Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa for its stylish design and wellness facilities (4.8/5, excellent breakfast); H10 Madison for rooftop views near the Gothic Quarter (4.8/5, modern rooms); Catalonia Catedral for comfort beside Barcelona Cathedral (4.6/5, quiet despite its location); or Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, famous for luxury and its rooftop terrace (4.7/5, outstanding service). Book Accommodation
Day 2 – Gaudí and the Gothic Quarter
Park Güell
Spend the morning exploring Gaudí’s colourful park. Mosaic benches, unusual buildings and panoramic city views make it one of Barcelona’s finest attractions.
Gothic Quarter
Wander through narrow medieval streets lined with cafés, boutiques and hidden squares. Visit Barcelona Cathedral and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before stopping for tapas.
Picasso Museum
Finish your afternoon with one of Europe’s finest collections of Pablo Picasso’s early work. The museum occupies several beautiful medieval buildings.
Where to stay: Another night in Barcelona allows more time to enjoy the city’s nightlife and restaurants. The accommodation options listed for Day 1 remain excellent choices. Book Accommodation
Day 3 – Travel to Madrid
Take the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Puerta de Atocha. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours and is one of Europe’s most comfortable rail trips. Check connections
Plaza Mayor
After checking into your hotel, explore Madrid‘s historic square. Enjoy traditional Spanish architecture before stopping for coffee or churros.
Royal Palace of Madrid
Visit Spain’s largest royal palace. The lavish rooms and grand staircases showcase centuries of royal history.
Where to stay: Consider Only YOU Boutique Hotel for stylish interiors (4.8/5, exceptional service); Hotel Regina for its location near Puerta del Sol (4.8/5, comfortable rooms); VP Plaza España Design (4.8/5, rooftop bar); Catalonia Las Cortes (4.7/5, generous breakfast); or NH Collection Madrid Palacio de Tepa (4.7/5, elegant rooms and central setting). Book Accommodation
Day 4 – Museums and Retiro Park
Museo del Prado
Spend the morning exploring Spain’s greatest art museum. Discover masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. Allow several hours for your visit.
El Retiro Park
Relax beside the boating lake before visiting the Crystal Palace. The park offers a peaceful break from the busy city centre.
Museo Reina Sofía
See Pablo Picasso’s famous painting Guernica alongside important modern Spanish artworks.
Where to stay: Spend another evening in Madrid and enjoy the city’s excellent tapas bars. The hotels recommended for Day 3 remain ideal. Book Accommodation
Day 5 – Travel to San Sebastian
Travel from Madrid to San Sebastian by high-speed and regional train. The journey offers beautiful scenery through northern Spain. Check connections
La Concha Beach
Stretch your legs with a walk along one of Europe’s finest urban beaches. The elegant promenade offers wonderful views across the bay.
Parte Vieja
Finish your day in San Sebastian’s Old Town. Sample pintxos at several bars and experience one of Spain’s greatest food destinations.
Where to stay: Consider Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra for beachfront views (4.7/5, historic character); Lasala Plaza Hotel near the harbour (4.8/5, rooftop pool); Catalonia Donosti (4.7/5, spa and sea views); Hotel Zinema7 (4.6/5, spacious rooms); or Villa Soro (4.8/5, boutique luxury and peaceful surroundings). Book Accommodation
Day 6 – Explore the Best of San Sebastian
Monte Igueldo
Start your morning by taking the historic funicular to Monte Igueldo. The summit offers one of Spain’s finest coastal views. From here, you can see La Concha Bay, Santa Clara Island and the surrounding hills. The small vintage amusement park adds extra charm to the visit.
Monte Urgull
Walk to Monte Urgull through shaded paths overlooking the Bay of Biscay. At the summit, visit Castillo de la Mota and enjoy spectacular panoramic views. The peaceful walking trails provide a welcome contrast to the lively Old Town.
Evening Pintxos Tour
Spend your evening hopping between traditional pintxos bars in Parte Vieja. Sample local favourites such as grilled prawns, Iberian ham, salt cod and Basque cheesecake. A guided food tour helps you discover hidden local favourites.
Where to stay: Stay another night in San Sebastian. Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra is renowned for its beachfront setting and classic elegance. Lasala Plaza Hotel offers modern luxury beside the harbour with an excellent rooftop terrace. Catalonia Donosti is popular for its spa and sea views. Hotel Zinema7 receives praise for spacious rooms and friendly staff, while Villa Soro is known for boutique luxury in a quiet neighbourhood. Google review scores generally range from 4.6 to 4.8 stars. Book Accommodation
Day 7 – Day Trip to Hondarribia
Hondarribia Old Town
Travel to Hondarribia, one of the Basque Country’s most attractive towns. The colourful medieval streets are lined with traditional houses, independent shops and inviting cafés. Explore the old defensive walls before visiting the lively main square.
You can travel by local bus from San Sebastian. Buy Tickets
Parador de Hondarribia
Visit the impressive castle that now operates as a Parador hotel. The building overlooks the estuary separating Spain and France. Even if you are not staying here, the historic architecture is worth seeing.
Marina District
Enjoy lunch beside the marina before returning to San Sebastian. The seafood restaurants here are among the best in northern Spain.
Where to stay: Return to San Sebastian for your final evening. The accommodation listed for Days 5 and 6 continues to provide convenient access to the city’s attractions and restaurants. Book Accommodation
Day 8 – Return to Barcelona
Travel back to Barcelona by train. The journey requires a connection and provides another opportunity to enjoy northern Spain’s scenery. Check connections
Barceloneta Beach
After arriving, relax on Barceloneta Beach. Walk along the promenade or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants before watching the sunset.
Where to stay: Spend your final nights in Barcelona. Hotel 1898, Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa, H10 Madison, Catalonia Catedral and Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona all offer excellent locations and consistently receive Google ratings between 4.6 and 4.8 stars. Guests regularly praise their comfortable rooms, helpful staff and easy access to the city’s attractions. Book Accommodation
Day 9 – Montjuïc and the Waterfront
Montjuïc Castle
Take the cable car to Montjuïc Castle. The hill offers excellent views across Barcelona’s skyline and harbour. Explore the historic fortress before walking through the surrounding gardens.
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya
Visit one of Spain’s finest art museums. The Romanesque collection is especially impressive, while the building itself enjoys commanding views across the city.
Port Vell
End the day with an evening stroll around Port Vell. The marina, restaurants and waterfront atmosphere provide a relaxing finish to your day.
Where to stay: Stay another night at one of the recommended Barcelona hotels before your departure. Book Accommodation
Day 10 – Farewell Barcelona
Parc de la Ciutadella
Spend your final morning relaxing in Barcelona’s most popular city park. Visit the impressive Cascada Monumental fountain before enjoying a coffee nearby.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Allow plenty of time to reach the airport before your flight. Barcelona’s efficient metro, airport bus and taxi services make transfers straightforward.
Conclusion
This 10 day itinerary showcases three of Spain’s most rewarding destinations. Barcelona impresses with Gaudí’s remarkable architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. Madrid combines royal landmarks with world-class museums and lively plazas. Meanwhile, San Sebastian offers beautiful beaches, spectacular coastal scenery and some of the finest food in Europe. Together, these cities create an unforgettable journey through Spanish culture, history and cuisine while allowing enough time to experience each destination at a comfortable pace.